Tag Archives: Christchurch

The Alliance Party has decided not to stand a candidate in the Christchurch East by election because, quite frankly, we think the Left has bigger fish to fry.

The Alliance was sorely tempted to stand a candidate, given that it is the electorate that co leader Kevin Campbell lives in. It would have been an excellent opportunity to raise the profile of the Alliance.

However the Alliance believes that it is imperative that Left – including the Centre Left- work together to avoid another three years of National’s punitive policies for low and middle income earners. We shudder to think what our country will look like after another term under National, especially if as some are predicting, the Conservative Party become coalition partners. Continue reading →

Alliance Party Co-Leader and former MP Kevin Campbell says the decision by the Government to keep Government appointed Commissioners in charge of the Canterbury Regional Council is a further blow for the spirits of the people of Canterbury. Continue reading →

Alliance Party candidate for Wigram Kevin Campbell says he fully supports the Christchurch group WeCan (Wider Earthquake Communities Action Network) in its call for more openness and honesty from the Government. Continue reading →

The Alliance Party is supporting the Council of Social Services in its High Court legal challenge to stop massive rent increases for council housing in Christchurch.
Alliance Party Housing Spokesperson and Wigram candidate Tom Dowie says the Minister of Local Government should be stepping in and demanding that the Christchurch City Council hold off with the rent rises until the High Court has made a determination.
“This 24% rent hike is outrageous and will result in hardship at a time of rising living costs.” Continue reading →

Support Equal Pay for Aged Care Workers

Equal Pay Act and Aged Care Workers

Dear Mr Ryall and Ms Goodhew

I urge the government to tell the Aged Care Association and Terranova Homes and Care Ltd not to appeal the ruling of the Employment Court on the application of the Equal Pay Act to the wages of aged care workers.

Unfortunately because this work has largely been performed by kind hearted women, care workers are amongst the lowest paid workers in New Zealand. Care workers pay rates do not reflect the value of the work performed nor do they reflect the value society should place on our elderly receiving the best standards of care and attention.

The Employment Court ruling will change aged care for the better. It is a landmark decision and cause for celebration.

I accept that current funding levels may not be adequate for organizations to comply with the Employment Court ruling. However this is a separate issue that needs to be addressed by the government in purchasing agreements with aged care service providers. It should not be used as a reason to appeal the ruling.

New Zealanders have made it clear they want our elderly to have the best of care. I feel they would have no issue with the government paying the increased costs out of taxpayers funding if it meant aged care workers received the pay they deserve for the valuable work that they do.

Sincerely,

[signature]

This petition is now closed.

End date: Feb 28, 2014

Signatures collected: 58

Poll

We believe the power companies sold by National will have to be brought back into public ownership by the next government. How do you think this should be done?